Frequently Asked Questions: Masks
Environmental Health, Environmental Science Research Assistant Authors: Mitchell Greenhalgh, S. Isaac St. Clair, Jonas Bush
Why should I wear a face mask?
Wearing masks reduces the transmission of COVID-19 and decreases the severity of the disease even when infection occurs.
Masks prevent infected people from spreading the virus by trapping the respiratory droplets that are produced when we cough, speak, and breathe. Masks also protect the wearer from other people’s particles by mechanical and electrostatic filtration. By trapping particles and dispersing our breath, masks can protect us and those around us from COVID-19.
Wearing a well-fitting mask over your mouth and nose can stop 90% or more of the droplets and aerosols carrying the virus.
What Face Mask Should I Choose?
How Should I Wear My Face Mask?
Are Masks Safe?
Masks are safe for almost all people to wear. They do not increase carbon dioxide or decrease oxygen in wearers.If you have questions on whether wearing a mask is safe for you please talk to your doctor.